Attorney Anthony Bucco. Jr. tonight officially announced his bid to follow in his father's political footsteps, kicking off his campaign for state Assembly in Morris County's 25th District.

Bucco, 46, of Boonton Township, was joined by his dad, state Sen. Anthony Bucco (R-Morris), as well as campaign co-chairs Morris County Sheriff Edward Rochford and Morris County Clerk Joan Bramhall, in Boonton where he formally announced his candidacy.

But standing in his way in what promises to be a spirited 2009 Republican primary election battle may be his brother-in-law, Republican Morris County Freeholder Douglas Cabana, among others.

Cabana said today he will launch his own campaign for Assembly in January. The race may also feature Randolph Councilman Gary Algeier, who along with Cabana and the younger Bucco are seeking to fill a vacancy created by the pending departure of Assemblyman Richard Merkt, who is running for governor.

Meanwhile, incumbent 25th District Assemblyman Michael Carroll, who has been in the legislature since 1995, also will be on the ballot, setting up an interesting GOP battle for two seats in the 17-town district.

"These are all good, qualified people," Carroll said of his potential opponents. "Almost as good as me," quipped the incumbent, who observed the proceedings tonight.

Nearly 200 people jammed into the Boonton Elks Lodge tonight to support Bucco's candidacy. He was joined by his parents, his wife Amy and three daughters as he made a kickoff speech that touted conservative political principles, including what he said was a need to rein in spending.

"I will provide a strong conservative voice and fight to cut government spending and eliminate waste and abuse," Bucco told an enthusiastic crowd.

He said his goals include reducing business taxes, lowering personal tax rates, stimulating the economy, creating jobs, promoting alternative energy sources and to "protect the unborn" while standing up for the Second Amendment rights of gun owners.

"I pledge to be the loudest voice in the fight against New Jersey's flawed and failed school funding formula that has led to billions of wasted taxpayers' dollars ... ," said Bucco, who is an attorney.

There has been some concern quietly voiced in Morris County GOP ranks about a father-son legislative combination, especially in the same district. But the elder Bucco dismissed that criticism.

"He made this decision on his own," said Bucco Sr. "And it's all being done in an open primary system, where voters can make the decision. Not in any smoke-filled back room."

Cabana, whose sister is married to Bucco, said there are no current plans for a joint campaign with his brother-in-law.

"It's too early to tell where things are going to go as far as alignments," said Cabana. "At the moment, I am just putting up my credentials and accomplishments for voters to consider."

Algeier said last night he is pondering a run but has not made a decision.